Anderson jury selection begins

Jury selection was scheduled to begin today for an Everett man accused of the shooting death of Rachel Burkheimer.

John Anderson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder for allegedly abducting, beating and killing Burkheimer, 18, of Marysville, in September 2002. She was a former girlfriend. He faces life in prison without release if convicted.

Lawyers on Monday morning sparred over what evidence will be presented to jurors. Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Linda Krese reserved ruling on several matters, including what limits she’ll place on information that Burkheimer’s death allegedly was connected to an Everett-based gang that supported itself through drug trafficking and robberies.

Anderson’s attorney, public defender Susan Gaer, asked the judge to exclude references to her client’s nickname, "Diggy," which she argued could prejudice jurors against him.

Deputy prosecutors Michael Downes and Julie Mohr countered that Anderson signs letters with his nickname, and that many of the witnesses only knew him by the moniker. Krese decided witnesses who knew Anderson as "Diggy" should be able to refer to him that way.

Jury selection is expected to take all week. Opening statements in the case aren’t expected before April 29.

Anderson’s jury is being selected roughly two weeks after a co-defendant, Yusef "Kevin" Jihad, 34, of Everett, was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy. Jihad was portrayed as ordering Burkheimer’s death. Witnesses testified Anderson carried out the killing.

Gaer earlier asked Krese to move Anderson’s trial out of the county, but the judge said she wants to see if a jury can be chosen here first.

Anderson’s trial is expected to last until mid-May. The aggravated murder trial for a third co-defendant, John Whitaker, 23, of Everett is scheduled for late May.

Burkheimer was slain Sept. 23, 2002. She died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.